Exploring Collioure: the coastal town that inspired Matisse

Nestled just a short drive from Perpignan, Collioure is the kind of village that makes you pinch yourself: colorful houses stacked like a painter’s palette, narrow cobbled streets that wind toward the sea, and a harbor dotted with fishing boats swaying gently in the sunlight. It’s no wonder Collioure has earned the title of one of the most beautiful villages in France — and for us, it’s the perfect escape when we want to wander somewhere magical, without venturing far from home.

Of course, we had to get ice cream — Olivier Bajard, hands down, is the best. Sitting on the beach with our cones, the sun on our shoulders, and the waves lapping nearby, it felt like pure summer (even though it was mid October). Later, we grabbed a coffee and claimed a couple of deck chairs at a little café, doing nothing but watching the boats and people stroll by.

What I love about life here is just how effortlessly the French do it. Sitting with a coffee, watching the world go by, taking your time with meals, wandering the streets without a plan — it all feels so relaxed. There’s something about how they savor the little things that makes you slow down and actually enjoy life.

Bright rooftops, endless inspiration — Collioure through the eyes of Matisse

Collioure has always had a way of drawing in artists, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Painters like Henri Matisse and André Derain were captivated by its bright Mediterranean light, colorful buildings, and sparkling harbor. The town became a hub for the Fauvist movement, and you can still feel their presence walking through the streets and along the waterfront. Even today, you see echoes of their work in galleries, small museums, and the way locals embrace color and light in everyday life. It’s easy to understand why so many came here to paint — Collioure practically begs you to look at the world a little differently.

LE JOURNAL/ EXPLORING COLLIOURE: THE COASTAL TOWN THAT INSPIRED MATISSE